Cosmetology

• • • Acrylic Oligomers and Polymers: While larger molecules, they can still release some monomer vapors, especially during filing and shaping.
    • Photoinitiators (in UV gel systems): These chemicals help the gel cure under UV light and can release irritants during the curing process.
    • Solvents (e.g., acetone, ethyl acetate): Used for blending and cleanup, these volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
    • Dust particles: Generated during filing and shaping, these tiny particles can be inhaled and irritate the respiratory system and eyes. They can also be coated with the chemicals mentioned above.

  • Nail Polish:

    • Solvents (e.g., ethyl acetate, butyl acetate): These are used to dissolve the film-forming polymers and pigments and evaporate to create the hardened polish. They are VOCs that can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.  
    • Formaldehyde (though its use is now restricted or banned in many polishes): A known irritant and potential carcinogen that can cause respiratory problems and eye irritation.
    • Formaldehyde resin: Used as a hardener and can release formaldehyde.
    • Toluene: A solvent that can affect the nervous system and irritate the respiratory tract and eyes.
    • Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) (often phased out): A plasticizer that has been linked to health concerns and can be an irritant.

• During which steps of the work process can these chemicals get into your body?

  These chemicals can enter your body through several routes during the nail service process:

  • Inhalation: This is a primary route of exposure, especially during:

    • Application of liquid monomers and polymers: Vapors are released into the air.
    • Filing and shaping: Dust particles containing chemicals become airborne.
    • Application and drying of nail polish and top coats: Solvents evaporate into the air.
    • Cleanup using solvents like acetone: Vapors are released.
    • Curing of UV gels: Some chemicals can be released as they react under UV light.

  • Skin Contact: Direct contact with the products can lead to absorption through the skin:

    • Handling liquid monomers and polymers.
    • Applying nail polish and removers.
    • Contact with uncured gel products.
    • Exposure to dust settling on skin.

  • Eye Contact: Splashes or airborne particles can directly contact the eyes.

  • Ingestion (less likely but possible): This could occur through contaminated hands touching the mouth or food, although this is not a primary concern in typical nail work.

• What can you do to protect yourself?

  To protect yourself from these chemicals, you should implement the following measures:

  • Ventilation:
    • Local exhaust ventilation: Use a source capture system at each workstation to remove fumes and dust directly at the source. This is the most effective method.
    • General dilution ventilation: Ensure good airflow throughout the salon by opening windows and using exhaust fans to circulate fresh air.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
    • Gloves: Wear appropriate nitrile or other chemical-resistant gloves to prevent skin contact with nail products and solvents. Avoid latex gloves, as some people are allergic.
    • Eye protection: Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from splashes and airborne particles.
    • Respiratory protection: If adequate ventilation cannot be ensured, consider using a properly fitted respirator with filters designed for organic vapors and particulate matter. Consult with an occupational health and safety professional to determine the appropriate type.
  • Safe Work Practices:
    • Follow manufacturer’s instructions: Use products as directed and heed any warnings on the labels.
    • Minimize skin contact: Use tools and applicators to avoid direct skin contact with chemicals.
    • Proper disposal: Dispose of used chemicals and materials according to regulations.
    • Hand hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after each client and after handling chemicals.
    • Clean workstations regularly: Wipe down surfaces to remove dust and chemical residue.
    • Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking at the workstation: This prevents accidental ingestion of chemicals.
    • Seek training: Ensure you receive proper training on the safe handling and use of all nail products.
  • Product Selection:
    • Choose “3-free,” “5-free,” or higher formulations: These polishes and products omit some of the most common toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP (and potentially others like formaldehyde resin and camphor). However, even these products contain other chemicals that can cause irritation, so ventilation and PPE are still important.  
    • Consider less volatile products: Explore gel systems or other alternatives that may produce fewer airborne contaminants.
  • Monitor Your Health: Pay attention to any symptoms you experience and report them to your employer and a healthcare professional.

Case Study #2:

You have been working in a very busy establishment for three years. Recently, every time you give a chemical blowout you start feeling dizzy, you get a headache, and you have difficulty breathing.

• What could be the chemical in the blowout causing this problem?

  The chemical in the blowout likely causing these symptoms is formaldehyde or chemicals that release formaldehyde when heated. These are commonly found in some hair straightening and smoothing treatments, often referred to as “Brazilian blowouts” or similar names. Formaldehyde is a known irritant and sensitizer, and exposure can cause:  

  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty breathing (shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing)
  • Eye, nose, and throat irritation
  • Skin irritation
  • Nausea

  The fact that you are experiencing these symptoms every time you perform the treatment strongly suggests a sensitivity or reaction to the chemicals released during the process.

• During which steps of the process can this chemical get into your body?

  Exposure to formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing chemicals can occur during several steps of a chemical blowout treatment:

  • Application of the straightening solution: The solution containing formaldehyde or its releasers is applied to the hair. Vapors can be released into the air during this process.
  • Drying the hair with a blow dryer after application: The heat from the blow dryer can cause the chemicals in the solution to volatilize and release formaldehyde gas into the air at a higher concentration. This is a significant point of exposure for both the stylist and the client.
  • Flat ironing the hair: The high heat of the flat iron further activates the chemicals, leading to the release of formaldehyde vapors as the product is sealed into the hair cuticle. This is often considered the step with the highest level of formaldehyde exposure.

  The primary route of exposure in this case is inhalation of the formaldehyde gas. Skin and eye contact with the solution are also possible routes of exposure.

• What can you do to protect yourself?

  Given your recurring and concerning symptoms, it is crucial to take immediate steps to protect your health:

  • Ventilation is Paramount:
    • Local exhaust ventilation: Insist on using a professional source capture ventilation system at your workstation that effectively removes the airborne chemicals directly at the source (near the client’s head during drying and flat ironing).
    • General dilution ventilation: Ensure the salon has good overall airflow with open windows and exhaust fans. However, local exhaust is essential for this type of treatment.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
    • Respiratory protection: Wear a properly fitted respirator with filters specifically designed to remove formaldehyde vapors. A basic dust mask will not provide adequate protection. You need a NIOSH-certified respirator with organic vapor cartridges. Ensure you are properly fit-tested for the respirator you use.
    • Gloves: Wear chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile) to protect your skin from contact with the straightening solution.
    • Eye protection: Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from vapors and splashes.
  • Safe Work Practices:
    • Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully: Adhere to the recommended application and processing times and temperatures.
    • Work in a well-ventilated area: Even with local exhaust, ensure good general ventilation.
    • Minimize the amount of product used: Use only the necessary amount of straightening solution.
    • Position yourself upwind of the client during heat styling: Try to position yourself so that the airflow carries the vapors away from your breathing zone.
    • Take breaks: If you perform multiple chemical blowouts per day, take breaks in a well-ventilated area away from the treatment area.
    • Wash hands thoroughly: Wash your hands after each treatment and after handling chemicals.
  • Product Alternatives:
    • Discuss safer alternatives with your employer: Explore using formaldehyde-free or low-formaldehyde hair straightening products. Research and advocate for the use of safer alternatives in the salon. Be aware that even “formaldehyde-free” products may contain chemicals that release small amounts of formaldehyde under heat.
  • Monitor Your Health and Seek Medical Advice:
    • Track your symptoms: Keep a record of when you experience symptoms and their severity.
    • Consult a doctor: Seek medical advice immediately. Explain your work environment and the symptoms you are experiencing. You may have developed a sensitivity to formaldehyde.
  • Know Your Rights: Understand your rights as a worker regarding workplace safety and health. In many regions, employers have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment, including adequate ventilation and PPE. You may need to advocate for these protections with your employer. If your employer is unwilling to provide a safe working environment, you may need to consider seeking employment elsewhere to protect your health.

Your health is paramount. Do not continue to work in conditions that are causing you these significant respiratory and systemic symptoms without taking serious protective measures and seeking medical advice.